malapropism
–noun
| an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, esp. by the confusion of words that are similar in sound |
spoonerism
| the transposition of initial or other sounds of words, usually by accident, as in a blushing crow for a crushing blow. |
Origin:
1895–1900; after W. A. Spooner (1844–1930), English clergyman noted for such slips
Ironically enough, these are oddly easy to confuse.
What is the origin of the phrase “mad as a hatter?”
Which means completely mad or insane.
One might think it had something to do with Alice in Wonderland. Or Johnny Depp. However, these assumptions would be incorrect. In fact, back in the day Mercury use to be used in the making of hats which effects the nervous system of those in close contact with it often. It also creates aggressiveness, mood swings and “anti-social” behavior. One could imagine that someone with these symptoms would appear quite insane, or even mad, perhaps.
One of the more popular references of course would be the Mad Hatter in the afore mentioned book, Alice in Wonderland.
Alright, off you go. That’s all the wisdom I shall impart this evening.
Tags: Alice in Wonderland, definition of, Mad as a Hatter, malapropism, spoonerism
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Purportedly, Dr Spooner (for whom ‘spoonerisms’ are named) once saw a young couple making out while punting down the river, and chastised them by ATTEMPTING to yell out “PUNTS are not for KISSING in!” He failed.
This story is SO good Ive always assumed it was made up, but who knows for sure.
That made me laugh so hard I’ve forgotten anything else I was going to say.
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